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High Noon: Penny Pinching

The themes for the newly redesigned penny represent the major aspects of Abraham Lincoln’s life, from his childhood in Kentucky at the left to his presidency in Washington, D.C. at the right. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
By D.F. Oliveria daveo@spokesman.com(509) 319-0354
The themes for the newly redesigned penny represent the major aspects of Abraham Lincoln’s life, from his childhood in Kentucky at the left to his presidency in Washington, D.C. at the right. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
The themes for the newly redesigned penny represent the major aspects of Abraham Lincoln’s life, from his childhood in Kentucky at the left to his presidency in Washington, D.C. at the right. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)

Yesterday, I spotted a shiny penny in the grocery store parking lot and picked it up. I tossed it in my change container when I got into my car.

Years ago, an email made the rounds telling the story of a wealthy man who always stopped to pick up coins because the words  “In God we trust” printed on our currency, reminded him to keep his trust in God— not in his wealth.

I think of that story every time I bend over and pick up a penny. So, last night at the dinner table, I asked my family if they stopped to pick up pennies. My husband and 17-year-old said, “Always.” My 12-year-old said, “Are you kidding? What good is a penny? You can’t buy anything with it!”

What followed was a pretty deep conversation about faith— about values— about money.

What about you? Are you a penny-picker-upper?

* This story was originally published as a post from the blog "Huckleberries Online." Read all stories from this blog